Will Fred Warner return for the NFC championship game if 49ers advance?

The San Francisco 49ers are playing against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night in the divisional round while dealing with more injuries to star players than any team remaining in the postseason field.

All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner is one of the players the Niners have missed out on for most of the season after he fractured his ankle earlier against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.

Even with the 49ers still performing well, Warner has made his efforts known. He wants to make a return to the team at some point. At first, Warner was targeting a return for the divisional round, but it turned into the NFC championship game if San Francisco advances.

More: Ricky Pearsall likely to play vs. Seahawks tonight after latest IG post?

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that the linebacker's status is now up in the air for the conference championship if they advance. In fact, Rapoport even announced that, after speaking with people close to the situation, they believe the Super Bowl would be the best place for Warner to return.

With another potential divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams or a rematch with the Chicago Bears, if they are granted a win over Seattle on Saturday and each game is on the road, the chances of the Niners making the Super Bowl aren't great.

Still, the 49ers have beaten the odds for most of this season, with all the injuries they've faced, so don't expect San Francisco to doubt themselves, especially as they continue to get the job done, and if they can reach the big game, having a healthy Warner back could almost guarantee another Lombardi Trophy for the 49ers organization.

More 49ers news:

• Dianna Russini’s new details on George Kittle's 49ers tequila bottle in locker room
• 49ers vs. Eagles final score, results: San Francisco advance behind Christian McCaffrey's two touchdowns
• Jauan Jennings 'can't wait' to play Seahawks next after big game for 49ers
• 49ers' Jauan Jennings was a higher-ranked QB recruit than Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Sam Darnold
• Who do the 49ers play next? Explaining divisional round opponent for San Francisco in 2026 NFL playoff bracket